The Wolf River begins at the base of the Cumberland Plateau and flows westward through the Highland Rim in Byrdstown/Pickett County (Dale Hollow Lake). This Class II run offers plenty of variety with numerous riverside waterfalls/cascading tributaries, small bedrock ledges/slides, wave trains, abundant wildlife and scenic gorge walls. The first 2 miles are relatively flat but very scenic (great time to work on strokes/basics/etc.); use the alternate put-in to skip the initial flatwater section. The river is populated by private homes/properties and farmland; please be very respectful, quiet and courteous (drive slowly/no changing in public/no trash/etc.).
Link: TVA Rainfall Gauge Data (Select - State: TN / Gauge: Wolf NR Byrdstown)
Link: USGS Current Conditions 03416000 WOLF RIVER NEAR BYRDSTOWN, TN(Lower Limit) ~2.75FT / ~3.0 - 4.3FT (Optimal)
Additional Wolf River Paddling Options:
Rotten Fork Wolf River / Wolf River Confluence to Sergeant Alvin C. York State Historic Park: Put-In: Wolf River Loop 36.54200° N, 84.95104° W Take-Out: Homestead Loop Trail (river-left) 36.54210° N, 84.96146° W Distance: ~.95 mi
Notes: Once you paddle under the N York Highway Bridge, use the Homestead Loop Trail (river-left) as a take-out above the dam/gristmill. Parking is available at the Blacksmith Shop from Reed Creek Road.
Put-In: Below the Gristmill - Sergeant Alvin C. York State Historic Park 36.54122° N, 84.96239° W Take-Out: Stokley R. West Bridge 36.55384° N, 85.03208° W Distance: ~6.8 mi
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sgt-alvin-c-york
Wolf River to Dale Hollow Lake: Put-In: Hwy 111 Bridge (public ramp / sandbar under the bridge) 36.60258° N, 85.12136° W Take-Out: Gunnels Camp Boat Ramp 36.60983° N, 85.14969° W Distance: ~2.3 mi
Contributed by Daniel Pritchett